Support juvenile justice reforms: Editorial

Proposed reforms to the state's criminal justice system could have an impact on Ferris School in Wilmington which is one place where adjudicated youth end up.(Photo: SUCHAT PEDERSON/THE NEWS JOURNAL)Buy Photo

Take expungements, for example. Delaware makes it harder than almost any other state in America to get juvenile criminal records wiped clean or sealed from public view, according to the Juvenile Law Center.

As a result, dumb mistakes made as kids become enduring black marks on a person's record, preventing them from getting good jobs and becoming productive members of society. That can happen even if charges are dropped or they are not found guilty.

Often, the result is a fall into the cycle of re-offending and imprisonment. That's one reason why Delaware's recidivism rate is higher than most states — bad news not just for offenders, but for taxpayers and the economy.

Making expungements easier or automatic is not just compassionate, it's smart policy.

The move to give judges more leeway over sentencing decisions fits a nation-wide scaling back of harsh mandatory sentences. Again — kids should face consequences for their behavior, but courts should be able to avoid potentially life-ruining sentences if they believe a youth can be rehabilitated.

It also makes sense to permanently establish the civil citation program, which gives police an alternative to criminal charges for first-time, low-level offenses like shoplifting or disorderly conduct. Instead, the officer can compel the youth to get screenings for rehabilitation or treatment and require them to write a letter of apology, perform community service hours and stay out of further trouble.

If a youth does all those things, they avoid a criminal record — and all the long-term consequences that come with it.

Thankfully, juvenile justice reform is an issue that has support among Delaware leaders in both parties. They should continue on the progress they have made in previous years.

Justice doesn't have to mean a ruined future.

The News Journal's editorial opinions are decided by its editorial board, which is separate from the news staff.